Thermochromic Insulating Sleeve for Heat-Retaining Temperature Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking vessels require users to open the lid and lose heat to determine the temperature of the liquid inside, making it difficult to assess temperatures below boiling point and inefficient for camping or outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor screen is integrated into the insulative cover of the cooking vessel, using thermochromic ink that changes from opaque to clear when the liquid reaches a predetermined temperature, allowing users to view the temperature indication through a window without opening the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the user opens the lid to view the liquid to determine its temperature, then the user can see the temperature, but heat will be lost to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature-sensitive screen is introduced as an intermediary element that transfers temperature information from the liquid to the user's visual perception. The screen changes color in response to temperature changes, allowing the user to obtain temperature information without directly viewing the liquid or opening the lid, thus preventing heat loss while maintaining information access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a temperature-sensitive screen that undergoes color changes in response to temperature variations. This visual indicator allows the user to determine the liquid's temperature at a glance through the insulative cover, eliminating the need to open the lid and thereby preventing heat loss while providing accurate temperature information.
2Loss of information
If the user opens the lid to view the liquid, then the user can determine the temperature, but the operation becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-sensitive screen serves as a mediator that simplifies the operation by providing temperature information through color changes visible through the insulative cover. Users can determine temperature without opening the lid, making the process simple and convenient while maintaining full temperature information access.
Solution Approach 2:
The color-changing screen provides intuitive visual temperature indicators that are easily observable through the insulative cover. This eliminates the need for complex operations such as opening the lid or using additional measurement tools, thereby significantly improving ease of operation while providing accurate temperature information.
3Loss of energy
If the insulative cover is made solid to prevent heat loss, then heat retention is improved, but the user cannot see through it to check the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative cover is designed with a temperature-sensitive screen integrated into it, creating a localized area with different optical properties. The screen material allows light transmission while maintaining the overall insulative properties of the cover, enabling both heat retention and temperature information access without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-sensitive screen integrated into the insulative cover changes color in response to temperature variations, providing visual temperature information while the cover maintains its solid insulative structure. This allows the cover to remain solid for heat retention while the screen provides optical access for temperature monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to determine the temperature of the liquid without losing heat, providing a simple and effective method to assess temperatures from outside the vessel, improving safety and convenience in outdoor cooking.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensitive screen includes a thermochromic ink which is opaque in appearance when in the unheated condition but which changes to a clear color as it reaches a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking vessel sidewall cover is provided with an opening therein and a screen is placed over the opening, with the screen including a layered structured between the cover opening and the vessel to include a non-opaque substrate, a layer of thermochromic colorant that changes from a opaque color to a non-opaque color when exposed to a predetermined temperature, and a layer of indicia material which is visible from an outer side of the substrate opening when the thermochromic ink changes to a non-opaque color. The cover may also include protective transparent or translucent window members on either side of the opening, and the substrate may be attached by way of an adhesive.